Due to the emergence of a more contemporary style of Church worship, inspired to appeal to the younger generations, old hymnals that have served to stabilize our souls for generations are being thrown out with the wash.
We are to worship God in spirit and truth. Much of today’s Contemporary Christian music is lacking of any anointing. I would venture to say now that the market for Christian music has exploded, producers are trying to cash in by courting Christian artist into commercialization. And they are beginning to sound like the world.
Another concern is the adaptation of Christian lyrics to other styles of music; jazz, blues, the big band sound and even rock with screaming saxophones and heavy metal rock guitars. All these secular styles have begun to invade not only Christian radio, but churches as well. However, I don't want to altogether banish the idea of this concept, because the Lord does work in mysterious ways. For some it might take these unconventional rhythms to jar the attention of someone who might otherwise turn their attention elsewhere.
I have nothing against other musical medium. I'm a classical composer and appreciate all music. I could probably even buy into the Christian lyrics on top of other mediums as long as the anointing is there. It must be there or there is no substance to the message. There is no spiritual comfort.
Christian music has always been uniquely different. Thank God for the wonderful anointed artist who have set the standards to keep the anointing flowing to minister to the body of Christ. BeBe and CeCe Winans being my absolute favorite. And a recent addition to my favorites is the illustrious Jaci Velasquez. They might seem to cross into different mediums but the anointing follows them wherever they go. It's amazing.
But this worldly trend toward the secularization of Praise and Worship music is to our detriment. We would do well to guard our borders to preserve that which is sacred.
Aside from the lyrics which attempt to have a Godly message, many of the arrangements and musical style has become as worldly as any secular music heard on non-Christian radio stations. You might say that much of Christian music is becoming leaven. Diluted with the same motifs and musical nuances heard in secular music.
I appeal to those, especially young people today who are being seduced and selling out for notoriety. True Christians are still looking for the anointed message, no other will do, be it in praise and worship music or sermons, God’s elect are not fooled. Be careful to avoid leaven music as well as leaven sermons. We must seek to discern the spirit behind the messages.
